Sweating is nature's way of helping us stay cool, but it's one of our body's functions that is considered socially "uncool." For centuries, people have been trying to overcome the unpleasant aspects of this very normal and necessary physical response.

Women in particular take great pains to avoid public sweating. This has something to do with the ideal woman being sweat-free and sweet smelling 24/7. The only accurate part of this myth is that women's sweat glands are less active than men's. Yet we have a greater number of sweat glands than men, so it all evens out. Women also have menstrual cycles and pregnancy, which can cause hormone fluctuations that increase sweating. Let's not even go into the night sweats of menopause!

There's a wide array of deodorants and antiperspirants available, all promising to keep us dry and fresh for hours, even days. But which ones work best? Finding the right deodorant requires a bit of trial and error. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for deodorant/antiperspirant products:

• Many people inquire about the difference between an antiperspirant and a deodorant. As the names imply, antiperspirants actually block sweat while deodorant eliminates sweat odor. If you're working outdoors or working out, a deodorant alone should do. Keep in mind that most deodorants you purchase off the shelf are antiperspirants.

• Every body is different, and will respond to skin products in different ways.

• If you have allergies to skin products, you should seek out mild deodorant/antiperspirant products.

• Some individuals have concerns about the safety of the ingredients in mainstream deodorants. While there has been no conclusive evidence, there have been urban legends that the aluminums present in many deodorants can increase the risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer. If this were true, wouldn't the incidences of breast cancer be higher among men? However, if you feel the need to be vigilant about cancer for other reasons, you might want to check out some of the natural deodorants/antiperspirants on the market.
  

• Women who use perfume and other scented body products sometimes find that their deodorant clashes with their favorite scent. If that's a problem for you, you should use an unscented deodorant product.

• Some people find that their deodorant/antiperspirant products lose effectiveness after extensive use, as though the body were building up immunity to the ingredients. If this happens to you, you might switch products now and again to keep up. You never know, you might find one that you (and your armpits) can love forever.

Fun and Feminine

Almay Roll-On Antiperspirant and Deodorant- Unscented is one of many great mild sweat-control products. Almay has a strong history of offering practical, affordable cosmetic and body care products that are hypoallergenic and gentle. People who use this product say that in addition to being non-irritating, it works hard to fight sweat and odors.

Secret Scent Expressions Crystal Clear Gel takes deodorant to a new level of style. It won't stain your delicate clothing, and comes in scents like Cherry Mischief and Very Tropical. Even the packaging, with its glittery details, says this is a product made to pamper you. Users report a good outcome with this product, but some say the results aren't as long lasting as they expected. Still, if you want an everyday deodorant that comes in a variety of sexy scents, this product is a great choice.
Dove Ultimate Beauty Care antiperspirant/deodorant protects you from sweat and odor while keeping the skin on your underarms free from shave bumps and irritation. It's wonderful for the hot summer months when you're wearing tanks or cap sleeves.

Maximum Protection

Secret Clinical Protection is an antiperspirant for women who perspire easily and/or excessively and feel they need added protection. This product is applied on a nightly basis and continues to reduce sweat and odor the following day. Users have found this product to be quite effective, but many have noticed that it leaves a white residue.

If sweating is a source of a concern for you, and you're looking for a no-frills utilitarian product, try 5 Day Antiperspirant and Deodorant Pads. The reviews for this product are mixed, but the cons mainly relate to the disposable pad format and the slightly messy consistency of the deodorant itself. Most users say the product performs as well as or better than a prescription antiperspirant/deodorant.

Certain Dri antiperspirant/deodorant is another good choice for those of us who need a little extra help keeping sweat at bay. Like many clinical-strength antiperspirants/deodorants, this product is applied before bed at night. The outstanding feature is how long it can last. In trials, it has been shown to stop perspiration and odor for up to 84 hours!
Natural Deodorants

Tom's of Maine has been offering high-quality natural personal care products for more than 40 years. Their Natural Long-Lasting Deodorant Stick is a popular alternative to drug store brands that contain aluminums and other potentially unhealthy compounds. Like other natural deodorants, this product is not an antiperspirant. It works by neutralizing odor with nature-based ingredients like hops (that's right, the stuff beer is made from!). Tom's may need to be reapplied periodically during very hot weather to get the best benefits, but overall it is a good choice for health-and-eco-conscious consumers.

When the deodorant Crystal was first introduced, people smirked at its unconventional appearance, and wondered why anyone would want to rub a rock on their armpits. Now, Crystal Deodorant Products have come of age, and are considered the cream of the crop of natural deodorants, winning both the highest rating from the Environmental Working Group and the approval of Cancer Treatment Centers Nationwide. Reviews give a pretty much unanimous thumbs up to these products for their effectiveness, ease of use, and low-mess formulation.